presentation of the department

history

The isdaT performing arts section came from the CESMD (Centre d’Études Supérieures Musique et Danse), an institution founded in 1993 by the government, the city of Toulouse and the University of Toulouse le Mirail (now known as the University of Toulouse – Jean Jaurès). In 2011, following government recommendations, the CESMD became in 2011 the performing arts department of the institut supérieur des arts de Toulouse, within the Établissement Public de Coopération Culturelle (EPCC—Public Institution for Cultural Cooperation) to which the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Toulouse also belonged (now the fine arts department).

The missions of isdaT performing arts are part of the national reform for the decentralisation and restructuring of tertiary arts education by adapting it to the Bachelor/Master/Doctorate system (Bologna Accords). Like all of the other French institutions (institutions of higher learning, and the CNSMD of Paris and Lyon), the performing arts department delivers the Diplôme d’État (DE—state diplomas) but also the Diplôme National Supérieur Professionnel de Musiciens (DNSPM—National Diplomas for Professional Musicians) recognised throughout Europe.

The isdaT performing arts section also has a well-stocked resource centre for all of the region’s music and dance professionals: it proposes qualifying and non-qualifying ongoing training and access to degree qualifications via validation of skills and experience (VAE).

In addition, at the government’s behest, the department holds two annual technical aptitude exams (EAT) in dance for the whole of the south of France, granting access to the state diploma (DE) course for professional dance teachers. Over 500 candidates take the exam every year.

arts events and showcasesEvery year, isdaT performing arts organises many arts events. Indeed, each year, isdaT performing arts organises and/or actively participates in no less than 50 events, concerts, shows, courses, workshops and masterclasses, along with around forty end of year recitals by the students.